Elton 'Cowboy Preacher' Sam, left, and Shane Boagni walk along the riding trail they and others recently cleared on the grounds of Zydeco Park in Plaisance. Freddie Herpin, Daily World

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But fewer places than before welcome these multi-day parties on horseback, trailers and ATVs. Opelousas banished the annual Step-N-Strut - an event that grew to attract 20,000 participants - after complaints about fights, public drunkenness and road congestion. The city no longer allows riders to use public thoroughfares, so that trail ride now takes place in Natchez.

The organizers of this weekend's Barn Yard Posse trail ride hope to maintain and restore the tradition in St. Landry Parish. ...